As Lucasfilm continues charting its next era of theatrical and streaming projects, the studio is once again confronting the legacy of Star Wars: Episode VIII—The Last Jedi (2017) and the future that never came to pass for its director, Rian Johnson.
The Last Jedi’s Divisive Legacy
Debuting in 2017, The Last Jedi served as the ambitious midpoint of the sequel trilogy, following directly from Star Wars: Episode VII—The Force Awakens (2015). Johnson’s script sent Rey (Daisy Ridley) to the remote world of Ahch-To in hopes of pulling Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) out of self-imposed exile. Instead, she found a Jedi Master grappling with regret over Ben Solo (Adam Driver) and the unraveling of his own legacy.
With the First Order tightening its grip, Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) led the Resistance through dwindling options, while Finn (John Boyega) and Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) embarked on high-stakes missions that tested their convictions. Meanwhile, Kylo Ren’s growing turmoil forged a surprising connection with Rey, all leading to the unexpected death of Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) and a major shift in direction for the trilogy.
The film became a flashpoint shortly after release. Though critically well-received, its reinterpretation of Star Wars mythology—particularly Rey’s parents being labeled “nobodies” and Luke’s disillusioned portrayal—sparked intense debate. Viewers also questioned the comedic beats and the Canto Bight detour, arguing over how each element affected pacing and tone.
The surrounding climate grew more heated when Kelly Marie Tran faced online harassment, prompting wide-ranging discussions about fandom culture and accountability. Even several years later, The Last Jedi remains one of the franchise’s most talked-about entries.
Amid the film’s rollout, Lucasfilm announced Johnson would launch a new Star Wars trilogy. That plan has now officially stalled.
Rian Johnson Confirms His Trilogy Is Not Moving Forward
In a recent interview, The Hollywood Reporter summarized the current situation. “Johnson had signed on to mount a fresh Star Wars trilogy in 2017, and while that plan is effectively dead, he isn’t saying goodbye yet,” The Hollywood Reporter wrote. “‘A part of my brain will always be in Star Wars,' he says. ‘It’s so much a part of me and the way I think.'”
Speaking on Radio Andy shortly afterward, Johnson reaffirmed that the trilogy isn’t in progress.
“Making The Last Jedi was, like, the best experience of my life,” Johnson said. “And I’m still tight with the folks at Lucasfilm. We’re not actively working on it right now, but if, down the line, it makes sense to come back into that universe, I’d be thrilled.”
His enthusiasm was consistent with the comments he shared in 2022. “I’ve stayed close to Kathleen [Kennedy], and we get together often and talk about it,” he told Empire. “It’s just at this point a matter of schedule and when it can happen. It would break my heart if I were finished, if I couldn’t get back in that sandbox at some point.”
Lucasfilm is now focused on a new slate of theatrical releases, beginning with Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) and Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter (2027). Other films remain in development, including Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s New Jedi Order entry, James Mangold’s exploration of the Force’s origins, Dave Filoni’s Mando-Verse culmination, and a possible Taika Waititi feature.
More recently, Disney canceled The Hunt for Ben Solo, a project centered on Kylo Ren set after The Rise of Skywalker. Fans have since rallied in hopes that the studio might revisit it.
